When it comes to home repairs and home improvements, do you prefer to take the DIY route and attempt things on your own before calling in a professional? If so, have you ever attempted any electrical work on your own? Should you happen to have some electrical outlets that need to be replaced (remember – faulty outlets can be a fire hazard), here are some tips for how to do so:

Step 1: Gather your materials.
For this project you’ll need the following: a screwdriver, needle nose pliers and a new electrical outlet. You may also want to have a voltage tester handy.

Step 2: Turn the power off.
You should never do any electrical work without first turning off the power. So, before you begin, go to your circuit breaker or fuse panel and completely turn off the electricity in the room you’ll be working in. To confirm that the power is off, plug something into your outlet, then double check by using a voltage tester.

Step 3: Start removing the old outlet.
Once you’re ready to begin, start by taking out the screws and the cover plate from the old outlet, and then remove it from the electrical box. At this point you should carefully study how the wiring is connected so that you can put it back exactly the same way with your new outlet – your best bet would be to take a picture to help you remember.

Step 4: Detach the wires.
The next step is to loosen the screws that are in place around the wiring and then remove the wires from the old outlet completely so that they are no longer attached.

Step 5: Attach the wires to the new outlet.
Now it’s time to begin the installation of the new outlet. First, attach the wires to the new outlet (remember to follow exactly how it was for the old outlet). Once this is complete, you can then put the new outlet back into the electrical box and screw it in place.

Step 6: Reassemble the cover plate.
Next, put the cover plate back on and make sure that everything feels tight and secure.

Step 7: Test.
Once everything is in place and all looks and feels secure, the only thing left to do is turn the power back on and test the outlet to make sure it works!

Now, although this does seem rather simple, we’d like to emphasize that all electrical jobs, no matter how big or small, should really be left to the professionals – this will ensure that all work is completed safely and correctly!

If you have an electrical project in your Suffolk County home that needs attention, contact the electricians at TFC Electric Inc. for help! We are a full service electrician that serves all of Suffolk County, and we provide safe, high quality electrical installations and repairs each and every time.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (631) 589-2800 today.